4-HO-DPT (also known as 4-hydroxy-dipropyltryptamine and sometimes referred to as Procin) is a psychedelic substance of the tryptamine class. Alexander Shulgin first synthesized 4-HO-DPT and documented it in his book TiHKAL (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved). It is the 4-hydroxyl analog of DPT.[1]

Today it is either used recreationally or as an entheogenic compound and is typically acquired through the use of online research chemical vendors. Due to the difficulty of its synthesis, it remains relatively uncommon even for a substituted tryptamine and has very little history of human usage.

Chemistry

4-HO-DPT, or 4-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyltryptamine, is a synthetic indole molecule of the tryptamine class. Tryptamines share a core structure comprised of a bicyclic indole heterocycle attached at R3 to an amino group via an ethyl side chain. 4-HO-DPT is substituted at R4 of its indole heterocycle with a hydroxyl functional group OH−. It also contains two propyl chains bound to the terminal amine RN of its tryptamine backbone (DPT).

Pharmacology

Like with most psychedelic tryptamines, 4-HO-DPT is thought to act principally as a 5-HT2Apartial agonist. The psychedelic effects are believed to come from 4-HO-DPT's binding efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptors. However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience continues to remain elusive.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWikicontributors. These effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances of inducing a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

In comparison to other tryptamines such as 4-AcO-DMT and 4-HO-DMT, it is extremely similar in terms of its visual, cognitive and physical effects although it feels somewhat less natural and slightly more synthetic. It is also worth noting that it lacks the extremely uncomfortable physical side effects which are present within its close structural relative DPT. This allows it to feel far more similar to that of a generic or classical substituted tryptamine such as psilocin.

Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 4-HO-DPT use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dose is unknown. This is because 4-HO-DPT is a research chemical with very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence from people within the psychonaut community who have tried 4-HO-DPT suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying the drug by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

Tolerance and addiction potential

4-HO-DPT is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with regular consumption. Like with most psychedelics, it is most often thought to be self-regulating.

Tolerance to the effects of 4-HO-DPT are built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 3 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 7 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 4-HO-DPT presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that after the consumption of 4-HO-DPT all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can quickly become harmful and even life-threatening when taken with other substances. The following section lists some known dangerous combinations, but it may not include all of them. Furthermore, a combination that seems to be harmless in low doses can still greatly increase the risk of injury or death when the doses are slightly increased. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some interactions listed have been sourced from Tripsit.

Lithium - Lithium is commonly prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder. There is a large body of anecdotal evidence that suggests taking it with psychedelics significantly increases the risk of psychosis and seizures. As a result, this combination is strictly discouraged.

Cannabis - Cannabis has an unexpectedly strong and unpredictable synergy with the effects of psychedelics. Caution is advised with this combination as it can significantly increase the risk of adverse psychological reactions like anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis. Users are advised to start off with only a fraction of their normal cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits to avoid over intake.

Legal status

Due to its relative obscurity, 4-HO-DPT is unscheduled in most countries.

United Kingdom - 4-HO-DPT is a Class A drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the tryptamine catch-all clause.[3]

United States - 4-HO-DPT is unscheduled in the United States. It may be considered an analogue of psilocin (which is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act). As such, the sale for human consumption or could be prosecuted as crimes under the Federal Analogue Act.[citation needed]

Sweden 4-HO-DPT is classified as a "dangerous substance", which means it requires a special permit to buy or sell. It is, however, not yet classified as a drug.[4]